Penrith suffered a second successive home defeat when they lost 3-1 at home to Thornaby.
Darren Edmondson’s men were unable to add to the Cumbrian misery inflicted on the Teesside visitors by both Carlisle City and Kendal Town.
But to be fair Thornaby produced their best performance of the season so far and were more like the side predicted to be title challengers.
They started really well, firing quickly straight out of the blocks and created a string of chances in the first 15 minutes.
It was no surprise when they took the lead on 20 minutes. Captain Jack Connor released Steve Roberts down the right before he unleashed a powerful shot beyond Arran Taylor.
Gary Richardson and Alfie Brunskill caused one or two problems for Thornaby as Penrith gradually came into the game and they linked well after the hosts best piece of play but keeper Quinaceo Hunt made a good save by his near post.
Edmondson must have delivered a stern half-time lecture to his side because Penrith were fired up and more determined on the restart.
Penrith had another sight of goal early on but Hunt saved confidently from Jamie Armstrong.
The game was now played at a frantic pace, end-to-end stuff although most of it was through long ball work.
On 72 minutes Thornaby doubled their lead. Taylor did well to block Craig Hutchinson when he got through one-on-one with the home keeper.
But then he managed to square the loose ball back to Luke Hogan his first effort was also blocked by Taylor before the winger rolled the ball into the empty net.
Penrith were throwing men forward in a desperate attempt to gain a foothold in the game and on 82 minutes they were caught on the break.
Alex Hutchinson netted the third when he was able to slot home from just eight yards with the home defence split open.
Taylor then made a great save to deny Hutchinson a second and right at the death Luke Brown denied Thornaby a clean sheet when he snatched a consolation for the hosts.
